End of 40-year Jumamoy rule: New Inabanga leaders take oath

Inabanga, Bohol Mayor-elect Dexter Ancla takes his oath of office before Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado in a ceremony held at the Inabanga Gymnasium on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas

INABANGA, Bohol — A new chapter in the political history of this coastal municipality began on Sunday as a newly elected set of officials took their oath of office, ending the four-decade rule of the Jumamoy political family.

Dexter Muneses Ancla, a political newcomer and businessman, was sworn in as the new mayor of Inabanga by Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado in a ceremony held at the town’s gymnasium.

Ancla’s victory in the May elections over former Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy—whose family had ruled Inabanga for nearly 40 years—marked a shift in the town’s political landscape.

In his inaugural address, Ancla expressed deep gratitude to his wife Stella Marie, their children, and supporters who stood by him throughout the campaign.

“The journey was rough. It was not easy,” said Ancla. “Help us achieve our goal — to make Inabanga great again.”

Calling his election a “liberation” and a form of “independence” for the town, Ancla vowed to lead with humility and stay grounded.

“Don’t’ look at me as mayor but as your brother who is willing to help you. Don’t think of me as an important person because we are on the same level,” he told the crowd.

Vice Mayor Hermogenes Cenabre also took his oath before the governor.

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Members of the new Sangguniang Bayan—Fermin Divinagracia, Louie Francis Abisado, Francis Aparicio Celmar, Romil Petecio, Warren Alesna, Kitty Jumao-as, Roel Bautista Fortich, and Teddy Lamorin—were sworn in by 2nd District Representative Vanessa Aumentado, wife of the governor.

The Aumentado couple expressed confidence in the Ancla-Cenabre tandem, emphasizing that their alignment with the provincial government would help ensure the more efficient implementation of development programs.

“We look forward to a more collaborative and inclusive administration in Inabanga,” Governor Aumentado said.

“The people deserve good governance that is responsive and people-centered,” he added./mcm